Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has to force himself into a regular first team spot at Anfield, according to Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk, or his chances of representing his country at next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa will disappear.
The powerful winger has only impressed fitfully during his time on Merseyside so far, though many feel that Reds manager Rafa Benitez has not necessarily given the Dutchman as much opportunity as he perhaps should have, and Van Marwijk has affirmed that he needs his international players to be performing as regularly as possible for their clubs in order to put themselves properly in the frame for Holland.
Babel was originally left out of the squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Hampden Park on Wednesday night, having only been called up as a late replacement, and more time on the pitch at Anfield is what is needed for the player to be a regular for the Oranje.
"You have to be top at every level. It's good when their players play at a level that is as high as possible," he told Sky Sports News. "When you play three games in half a year, you can't have your normal level."
As for whether Babel should perhaps look for another club, Van Marwijk dropped a broad hint that it would perhaps be a good idea, adding, laconically: "They [players] have to make their own decisions, but they know what I mean."
As for Wednesday night's game in Glasgow, when a Scotland victory would reignite improbable dreams of World Cup qualification for the men in dark blue, Van Marwijk asserted that his side would be giving it their best and not merely turning up despite having already confirmed their presence in South Africa next summer with a 100 per cent record to date in the qualifiers.
"I play always with my strongest team. When we come, we try to win," he concluded.
The powerful winger has only impressed fitfully during his time on Merseyside so far, though many feel that Reds manager Rafa Benitez has not necessarily given the Dutchman as much opportunity as he perhaps should have, and Van Marwijk has affirmed that he needs his international players to be performing as regularly as possible for their clubs in order to put themselves properly in the frame for Holland.
Babel was originally left out of the squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Hampden Park on Wednesday night, having only been called up as a late replacement, and more time on the pitch at Anfield is what is needed for the player to be a regular for the Oranje.
"You have to be top at every level. It's good when their players play at a level that is as high as possible," he told Sky Sports News. "When you play three games in half a year, you can't have your normal level."
As for whether Babel should perhaps look for another club, Van Marwijk dropped a broad hint that it would perhaps be a good idea, adding, laconically: "They [players] have to make their own decisions, but they know what I mean."
As for Wednesday night's game in Glasgow, when a Scotland victory would reignite improbable dreams of World Cup qualification for the men in dark blue, Van Marwijk asserted that his side would be giving it their best and not merely turning up despite having already confirmed their presence in South Africa next summer with a 100 per cent record to date in the qualifiers.
"I play always with my strongest team. When we come, we try to win," he concluded.
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